The 2017 State of the Nation Address by South Africa’s parliament, Jacob Zuma was disrupted on Thursday by chaotic scenes after opposition lawmakers objected to his presence in the house.
The members of the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters party engaged in a fight with security guards of the parliament after they were ordered to eject the lawmakers for continuously interrupting Mr. Zuma’s address.
The events were broadcast live on Television drawing a lot of criticisms from South Africans on social media.
Tear gas was also reported to have been fired into the public gallery where guests were seating to listen to the President’s address.
Outside the parliament house in Cape Town Police also fired stun grenades to disperse supporters of the EFF and the ruling African National Congress party.
Previous addresses by the President were marred in similar disruptive manners. The main opposition party led by Mmusi Maimane also walked out of the house.
Opposition lawmakers are demanding the resignation of President Zuma who has been dogged by corruption allegations and the way he is handling the South African economy.
Source: Africafeeds.com
